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Thursday, August 29, 2013

On sputtering flames and rekindling sparks

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark
from another person,” said Albert Schweitzer. “Each of us has cause to think
with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

Read those two sentences again and pause to think:

How many times has your light dimmed and faltered, only to
be rekindled by a spark from another person?

In what ways was God arranging events to bring that person
into your life? You might not have recognized His efforts at the time, but if
you take time to give it thought, perhaps you, like Jacob, will wake up and
declare, “God was here all along but I wasn’t even aware of it!”

Connect the dots and pin down the ways God hovered close, working
out His good plans for you.

Frederick Buechner observes that on the road to Emmaus,
Jesus recognized the disciples even though they didn’t recognize him.

Buechner continues, “In this dark world where you and I see
so little because of our unrecognizing eyes, he, whose eye is on the sparrow,
sees each one of us.… And I believe that whether we recognize him or not, or
believe in him or not, or even know his name, again and again he comes and
walks a little way with us along whatever road we’re following. And I believe
that through something that happens to us, or something we see, or somebody we
know—who can ever guess how or when or where?—he offers us … a new hope, a new
vision of light that not even the dark world can overcome.” (Secrets in the Dark; emphasis mine)

Take a few days or weeks or even months to recognize those
occasions. Make yourself a working document: a two-column list of both the
events and the people who stepped into your life and invited you into the
light.

Each of those incidents is a story waiting to be written and
shared with others in your memoir.

When you write, dig deep and deeper. Refuse to skim over the
shallow surface of life. What lessons did you learn through both the faltering
of your light and the rekindling? As a result, how did your life change? What
new person did you become? How did the experience strengthen your faith?

If you write your stories, your
memoir can rekindle a flame for someone else whose light is sputtering.

Through my breast cancer journey I have met some truly amazing and inspirational friends who are so special I swear I sometimes want to check their backs to see where they are hiding their angel wings. If not for the illness, I would have missed having these wonderful people in my life, and even if I had come across them I may not have appreciated how truly special they are and how important it is to support and care for each other. God is truly always working in our lives and brings us light and love and laughter if we just trust Him.

Oh, Cathy, what a special comment you have penned. Bless those dear people who came alongside and cared for you and encouraged you--and who have now become special friends. You're right, God is always working in our lives and brings light and love and laughter. I'm smiling, Cathy. Thanks for stopping by.Linda

Quoting and Linking

Grandma's Letters from Africa

All I ever wanted was to live a quiet, secure life in a little white house with a picket fence and a rose garden, but my husband Dave—a free spirit who seldom limits himself to coloring within other people’s lines—and our adventuresome God had other plans. Just when our youngest finished college, both Dave and God hollered, “Africa!” You can read about my adventures in Grandma’s Letters from Africa, by Linda K. Thomas.

Grandma’s Letters from Africa received Editor’s Choice, Rising Star, and Reader's Choice awards from the publisher. In addition, the book will soon be listed in the Barnes&Noble.com Special Collections Boutique.

What others are saying

Grandma’s Letters from Africa is an engaging, memorable account of Linda’s years in Africa. It was a privilege for me to read over the shoulders of her granddaughters as Linda tells her story through a series of letters. Through both laughter and tears, she learns to balance her roles as missionary, wife, mother, and grandmother. In the process, Linda falls in love with Africa, its people, and her work. Readers will be moved by this compelling story that reveals God’s heart and extraordinary grace. (Bob Creson, President/CEO, Wycliffe USA)

Read more endorsements, reviews, and follow Linda’s blog at http://grandmaslettersfromafrica.blogspot.com